Learn Hardcore Ukrainian: Моя мати терпляча, коли навчає мене готувати. - My mother is patient when she teaches me how to cook.

Терпляча means patient. It is in the feminine form because it agrees with the noun мати (mother), which is feminine in Ukrainian. Adjective agreement in gender, number, and case is a key aspect of Ukrainian grammar.

Why is мати used instead of a more colloquial term like мама?

Both мати and мама mean mother, but мати is more formal and literary, while мама is commonly used in everyday speech. In this sentence, using мати can add a sense of respect or formality.

What is the purpose of the comma in the sentence?

The comma separates the main clause (Моя мати терпляча) from the subordinate clause (коли навчає мене готувати). In Ukrainian, subordinate clauses—especially those introduced by conjunctions like коли (meaning “when”)—are typically set off by a comma.

How does the subordinate clause introduced by коли function in this sentence?

The subordinate clause beginning with коли adds a time-related condition or context to the main clause. It tells us when the mother is patient—specifically, when she teaches me to cook. This structure is common in Ukrainian to explain the circumstances related to the main statement.

How is the verb навчає used in the sentence, and why is there no explicit subject in its clause?

Навчає is the third person singular present tense form of the verb навчати (to teach). Although the subordinate clause does not have an overt subject, it is understood that the subject is the same as in the main clause (мати). Ukrainian often omits the subject in subordinate clauses when it is clear from context.

What role does the infinitive готувати play in this sentence?

Готувати is the infinitive form of the verb meaning to cook. It functions as the complement to the verb навчає, specifying what the mother teaches. Using the infinitive here is a standard way in Ukrainian to indicate the activity or skill that is being taught.